Donald Genzink

To view the Livestream of the service, please visit; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnOOuBmwmpOda3TWzAcHBbQ?app=desktop

Don was born April 23, 1929, the seventh of nine children to George and Maggie Genzink, in Holland, Michigan. Don was forced to leave school at the end of eighth grade when his older brothers left to fight in the war (1942). Three years later his father died of a heart attack, leaving the responsibility of supporting his mother and six siblings up to him. At age 18 he went to work for H.J. Heinz where he learned how to weld. In 1950, he married Grethel Stegink and he went on to work for IXL, Roamer Boat, and Chris Craft in addition to running his own 80-acre farm.

In 1961 Don bought a portable welder and started Don Genzink Portable Welding which evolved into Genzink Steel Supply and Welding Company. He took great pride in the company and was thankful to God for all the employees and the work they were able to accomplish over the years.

Don and Grethel were charter members of Park Christian Reformed Church but spent most of their lives as members of Graafschap CRC, where Grethel was organist and Don served multiple terms as deacon, elder, catechism, and Sunday School teacher. Grethel died of pancreatic cancer in 1992, and Don married Alice Jellema in 1996. Together they spent a number of winters volunteering with Wycliffe Associates in Orlando, Florida, where Don used his skills in steel fabrication and construction. Don also served on the board of Kuyper College in Grand Rapids.

After retirement, Don spent most of his time on his “farm” property (G Lake) south of Holland. You could always find him out there on his tractor or loader, moving dirt around, burning brush, mending fences, trimming trees, anything to improve the land. His love for the property was very evident and he loved to share it with his family and others, hosting many family events and reunions over the years.

Don is survived by his children: Dave and Deb (Van Lonkhuyzen) Genzink, Mark and Donna (Jipping) Genzink, Kathy and Dan Walcott, Ken and Jane (Prins) Genzink, Sue and Ron Geerlings, and Laurie and Jay Prins; his brother, Paul Genzink; Grethel’s family: Lois Stegink, Larry and Harlean Stegink, John and Eunice Stegink, Pat Buursma, Eileen and Jim Dolbee; Alice’s family: Clara TenHarmsel, John Jellema, Sue Postma, Arlene and Dean Rosendahl. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, 19 step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.